A pulsating match that epitomised the “game of two halves” cliché was played out on Sunday afternoon between Brockham Badgers U15A and Cheam Rangers. Both sides clearly play good passing football and it was unfortunate that the Badgers lost their influential left midfielder Jack Coppin within minutes of the start to an ankle injury, but Brockham fell into their usual trap of starting slowly and soon found themselves a goal down following a difficult period when Cheam dominated possession and deserved to take the lead.
James Rabbetts had already kept the team in the game with two fine saves but it was a catalogue of poor decision making and lethargy that led to Cheam’s opener, starting with poor distribution from the Brockham goal kick. The ball didn’t travel far and went straight down the throat of the Rangers midfield. Soft attempts by Brockham to win the first and second ball cleared the way for the Cheam striker to take his chance with ease. Their second came with equally poor pressing or ambition from the black and whites.
The second half was a total transformation. Luke Brightman came on at right back and had a terrific game, whilst Jordan Martin switched to a central striking position with Sam Lloyd taking the right advanced midfield berth. With an attacking trio made complete with Joe Silver on the left, and the half time team talk delivering a rocket, the Badgers came out all guns blazing. The players were throwing themselves into tackles and blocks, pressing the ball in an organised and sustained assault and it was one way traffic for twenty minutes. Silver and Martin both had excellent scoring chances that were narrowly denied and it was only a matter of time before Brockham would surely score.
The breakthrough was stunning. A loose ball dropped to Silver in a central position and he let fly from 25 yards. It was a creamer, nestling in the top right hand corner and giving the Cheam keeper no chance. Silver had swapped his blades for the manager’s studs at half time – it was clearly the managers magic footwear that made the difference!
Chances came and went for both sides as the game ebbed and flowed and Cheam wrestled a little more possession from the game, but Brockham looked as if they would not only get an equaliser but may conceivably go on to win. A good penalty shout was denied, offensive corners were repelled and a wave of midfield dominance was stifled at the crucial moments by Cheam. The clock eventually wound down and Brockham had to go home wondering how things might have been if they’d turned in their second half performance for the whole game. It was an excellent response after half time though and the display was proof enough for all to see that when they play to their potential the Badgers have the beating of anyone.
Man of the Match: Joe Silver
